By Obiabin Onukwugha
In a landmark move to develop a framework capable of translating its oil and gas resources into greater opportunities and benefits for citizens, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, H.E. Stève Simplice Onanga, has led a high-powered delegation from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and other senior government officials to Nigeria on a study visit focused on Nigeria’s Local Content policy and its implementation.
A statement by the Nigeria Local Content Development and Management Board, NCDMB, on Monday, said the visit is aimed at enabling the Congolese delegation to understudy Nigeria’s experience in developing and implementing its Local Content framework, with particular emphasis on how the policy has facilitated the growth of indigenous companies, enhanced local participation in the petroleum industry, created employment opportunities and retained greater value within the Nigerian economy.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, at his office in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Congo in the oil and gas sector.
Nigeria’s Local Content journey has increasingly positioned indigenous companies to participate more actively across the oil and gas value chain. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has also continued to promote capacity development, financing, technology acquisition and industrial growth within the sector.
Speaking during the visit, H.E. Stève Simplice Onanga expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn from Nigeria’s experience.
He said the delegation was in Nigeria because of the progress the country has made over the years in implementing its Local Content policy. “It is a great pleasure for us to be here. Our visit is based on the experience you have had over the years, and we are here to understudy your Local Content policy,” he said.
Onanga also stated that the primary objective of the visit is to gain practical knowledge that can support the improvement of Local Content implementation in the Republic of Congo.
He further noted that Congo is particularly interested in developing a Local Content framework that will ensure that the country’s oil and gas resources translate into greater opportunities and benefits for Congolese citizens
“The objective is mainly on Local Content and improving our own Local Content policies in the Republic of Congo. We really wish to develop our Local Content for the benefit of the Congolese people.”
Responding, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri welcomed the Congolese delegation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Congo, particularly in the area of Local Content development.
The Minister said Nigeria was willing to share its experience and lessons from the implementation of its Local Content policy with its “brother country,” Congo.
He explained that Nigeria’s Local Content journey began more than 15 years ago with the development of the legal framework that established a structured approach to increasing indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry.
According to him, the policy has contributed to the emergence and expansion of Nigerian companies capable of providing services previously dominated by foreign companies.
He noted that Nigerian indigenous companies now play significant roles across the industry and have developed the capacity to work alongside international oil companies and other global service providers.
Lokpobiri further highlighted the role of Local Content in strengthening indigenous businesses and retaining value within the Nigerian economy.
“It is my belief that the solution to solving Africa’s energy problems lies more on Africa,” he said.
